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Thursday, February 28, 2002

Hereford United coach Phil
Robinson is hoping that his side will finish in the top
eight of the Nationwide Conference this season.

A final league position of eighth or above means
qualification for the potentially lucrative LDV Vans
Trophy, which involves teams from Divisions Two and Three.

The Bulls go to Yeovil Town, who are third in the
Conference, on Saturday in hope of repeating last
season's performance - Hereford's 3-2 win ensured Yeovil
stayed in the non-league ranks for at least another
twelve months.

Robinson told the Hereford Times: "It's nice to be
in a position to affect the promotion race and we hope to
be able to do to Yeovil what we did to Boston. But it
will be a tough game because Yeovil are on a rich vein of
form and have a very strong squad."

Yeovil's Huish Park is liable to waterlogging and so keep
an eye on HU-FC.co.uk for details of a potential
postponement on the day.

Hereford go into the match with doubts over coach Phil
Robinson, defender Matt Clarke and midfielder Scott
Goodwin, who have calf, hamstring and abdomen problems
respectively. However, Steve Piearce will return to the
squad after coming through last night's reserve match
successfully.

Surrey Racing quote
Hereford as 4/1 to win Saturday's encounter. Yeovil are
firm favourites at 8/13, with a draw quoted at 12/5. The
Bulls are still 25/1 to get relegated from the Conference
this season.

Meanwhile, former Hereford United boss Colin Addison will
bring his current side, Swansea City, to Edgar Street in
order to play for the Herefordshire FA Senior Invitation
Cup Final. No date has ben set yet, but it is hoped that
the match will be played before the end of the season.

Reserves through to cup final

On another bitterly cold
night at Edgar Street around thirty people turned up to
watch Hereford United reserves beat their Hednesford Town
counterparts 3-0 in the semi final of
the Doxhill Cup. Graham Turner was there to watch.

The United team included an number of first teamers
including Steve Piearce (back from injury), Rob Elmes,
John Snape (captain), Jimmy Quiggin, Lee Evans, Daniel
Davidson and Jon Hill.

John Snape led the team out and the game got underway.
Immediately United were on the attack, and Town had
little in reply. In the opening minutes Snape and Quiggin
worked tirelessly whilst Jon Hill mopped up at the back.
A number of chances went begging, including several
headers from Daniel Davidson, but the best of the chances
in the first half fell to Quiggin who received the ball
to the right of the Blackfriars End goal but could only
fire it across the face. Another chance later on hit the
crossbar after a header from Davidson, setup by a
wonderful Quiggin cross. A frustrating half ended with a
Hednesford shot going just wide of the left hand post
after good work in the midfield. Town's goalkeeper
commanded his area for the whole half and it was clear we
needed something special to beat him.

Four mins into the second half Quiggin broke forward, and
from about twenty yards out fired a low shot passed the
desparing keeper, a goal worthy of a first team place.
This spark ignited the rest of the team, and the second
goal was a bizaare one. Steve Piearce, who had been
playing well tried to cross, his shot bounced off a
defender, Piearce tried again the cross, it bounced off
the defender and looped over the goalkeeper. From the
right, it hit the top of the post and bounced into the
opposite corner of the net.

The third was a fantastic goal, although unfortunatley no-one
seems to know the name of the man that scored it! Running
onto a long throughball from Jon Hill, the 'player'
brought it down turned past the goalkeeper and calmly and
confidently floated the ball over a waiting defender. The
scorer had come on for John Snape and played well for the
fifteen minutes or so, and his goal was netted five
minutes from time. The rest of the half saw continued
flowing attacking football from United. Only in the last
few minutes did Hednesford pose any real threat, once
going close. Other chances in the second half fell to
Davidson, who hit the post and squandered another.

So an entertaining game, Jimmy Quiggin was man of the
match for his tireless work. His pass and move plan
working very well with Snape and Elmes played in the
centre of defence for most of the game. Daniel Davidson
was hopeless, but Quiggin's performance deserves a first
team place at Yeovil. Lee Evans had a quiet but confident
game in the Hereford goal.

Hereford are now in the
final of the competition, and further details about the
match will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, the Hereford
United youth team went out of their League Cup
competition last night, 2-1 at Paget Rangers.

Written by Matt
Grisman (and Rob Powell) - 28th February
2002.

Bulls' future - an update

Hereford United midfielder
Paul Parry has had no official approaches, according to
coach Phil Robinson.

Parry has been linked with Leicester City and Celtic in
recent weeks but has just signed a new contract with
Hereford. Any move could be financially lucrative for the
club, and help secure their future.

Herefordshire Council leader Terry James has also
discussing the future of the club with the liaison
committee. A statement about the proposed redevelopment
of Edgar Street is expected to be released sometime next
month.

The fundraising efforts of the supporters have kept the
club alive over the past few years, and entertainer Danny
Lee is set to help Hereford United again by recording a
new song called 'The Giantkillers'. All proceeds will go
to the club but he wants supporters to gather in the
Meadow End next Tuesday at 7.15pm, before the Telford
United game, to help him with the recording.

Follower arrested after goal

A Hereford United 'fan'
was arrested and charged for encroaching on the playing
area as the Bulls scored their only goal in Saturday's 2-1
FA Trophy defeat at Chester City.

The events followed clashes between rival groups in the
city centre, which caused much damage.

HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen said: "Obviously the
rules are that people should not go on the pitch."
He said he could not condone such behaviour.

Tuesday, February 26, 2002

By
Terry

Season still alive: coach

Hereford United have to
recover from Saturday's FA Trophy defeat and focus on the
league, according to coach Phil Robinson.

Chester City scored a last minute goal to put Hereford
out of the Trophy, 2-1 at the Deva Stadium, and the Bulls
go to third-placed Yeovil Town on Saturday. There are
also games coming up against local rivals Telford United
and league leaders Dagenham & Redbridge.

"Losing to Chester was a blow because we'd done well
to get back into the game and it looked like it was going
to be a draw," he said. "We need to focus on
these matches and make sure we are properly prepared."

Monday, February 25, 2002

By
Terry

Fans clash in city centre

Shoppers looked on in
horror as rival football 'fans' clashed in Chester city
centre – resulting in hundreds of pounds worth of
damage to pubs.

Trouble erupted between Chester City FC 'fans' and
Hereford United 'supporters' before Saturday’s match
among hundreds of shoppers.

Fights both inside and outside bars had the police and
publicans on red-alert from about 11am.
Pubs in Watergate, Frodsham, Bridge and Brook Street were
all targeted, one pub owner saying the bloody barroom
brawls were disgusting and a poor advertisement for the
city.

The police also urged landlords to lock their doors after
the match and maintained a high police presence in the
city centre to deter fans of both clubs from causing any
further serious trouble.
Officers attended the match in an attempt to diffuse any
further violence inside the ground.

A police spokesman said: “We were keeping an eye on
both groups and constantly monitoring the supporters on
CCTV, but after the initial incidents, the behaviour from
both sides was generally acceptable.

“Police officers also walked fans to the train
station and stayed until the final train had left to
ensure there were no serious confrontations after the
game.”

Jean Summerhill of the Ye Olde Cottage Inn, in Brook
Street, said: “We locked our doors just before 5pm.
There were some football supporters who hadn’t gone
to the match in here drinking, but all was pretty quiet,”
she said.

“Then we heard some mobile phones going off and in a
matter of seconds we had a brick come through the window
and the lads drinking heading outside to join in.”

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incidents
to come forward. Contact Detective Constable Paul Evans
at Chester CID on 01244 613134 or the anonymous
Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

By
Terry

Robbo choked by defeat

Hereford United coach Phil Robinson was extremely unhappy with his side's 2-1 FA Trophy defeat at Chester City on Saturday.
"Their winning goal was a real choker," he told the Evening News. "We started to defend a bit too deeply. When you defend deep and you make a mistake, as we did, then it can prove costly."
He added: "It's common knowledge that we are struggling financially and we desperately wanted to do well in this competition. I have told the players to get themselves prepared to come in this week and work hard."
City's chairman Stephen Vaughan told the Chester Chronicle: "It's been a great weekend for the club; firstly we progressed to the quarter-finals of the Trophy with a superb victory, then we see two of our great young prospects signing new deals because they can see what a bright future we are building at the club."
Chester now play Burton Albion in the quarter finals, whilst Hereford hope to improve their league form.

Saturday, February 23, 2002

By
Terry

Injury time
heartbreak for United

Chester
City 2 - 1 Hereford United

Hereford United will count themselves very unlucky to
have exited this season's FA Trophy at the Deva Stadium
this afternoon as a late, late goal from Chester City's
Jimmy Haarhoff secured a 2-1 victory.
The Bulls made two changes to the side that beat Boston
United 4-3 on Monday night with Tony James replacing Jon
Hill after injury and Jimmy Quiggin filling in for player-coach
Phil Robinson in midfield. Chester's Mark Wright was
unable to field Mark Williams, the former Hereford
defender, as he was cup-tied, but Brian McGorry was named
in midfield.
The game started slowly with few early chances. Hereford
had the wind behind them but the bitterly cold conditions
combined with occasional snow showers did little to boost
the spirits of either the players or the fans, who were
treated to a fairly drab opening period. The Bulls' first
effort came when a surging Paul Parry run was ended by
the back-tracking defender Phil Bolland.
Ian Rodgerson fired over from twenty five yards after
fourteen minutes as Hereford dominated, but Chester had
the advantage prior to that. After twenty minutes,
attacker Mark Beesley hit a cross from the Chester right,
but Dean Spink failed to connect cleanly with the ball as
his header flashed wide of Matt Baker's goal.
Scott Goodwin squandered a cross that had been flicked on
by Gavin Williams, and a minute later John Snape hit a
low twenty-five yard drive at Chester goalkeeper Wayne
Brown. At the other end, Dean Spink wasted a couple of
chances as the home side looked most likely to take the
lead.
With eight minutes of the first half remaining, Chester
did as they had been threatening. A corner from Stuart
Whittaker was headed in on the far post by Bolland and
City had the lead. Hereford's defence had failed to
notice the threat of the defender and they were destined
to be behind at the break. Only Matt Clarke could
challenge the Chester goal in the dying minutes, and his
cross-cum-shot was easily dealt with by Brown.
Hereford had to play better in the second period, but it
wasn't looking good when Chester came out and immediately
opened up the Bulls' defence! The ball was eventually
cleared but a minute or so later, Lee Woodyatt fired over
from just outside the box. Hereford eventually got a good
move together eight minutes into the half when Gavin
Williams and Scott Goodwin linked to force a corner, but
it was wasted.
At the other end, Chester should have doubled their lead.
A corner was swung in for Bolland to head and Baker to
save superbly. The ball was knocked out to Chris
Blackburn who forced Baker into another acrobatic stop.
Hereford had to react, and did so by bringing off Jimmy
Quiggin for attacker Rob Elmes. Gavin Williams appeared
to drop back into midfield and Paul Parry remained in
attack to partner Elmes. The new striking partnership
seemed to be working well two minutes later when Elmes
hit a through ball to Parry who turned well before
volleying the ball at the goalkeeper.
Paul Parry went close on the hour mark when he fired just
over, and Elmes' introduction paid off sixteen minutes
later when he levelled the scores. An Ian Rodgerson cross
from the right was met by Elmes who headed home on the
far post, an almost identical move to the winning goal
against Boston on Monday night.
Everyone was set for a replay at Edgar Street on Tuesday
night until, three minutes into added time, Chester's
substitute Jimmy Haarhoff broke Bulls' hearts. He was
allowed too much space and hit a low shot past Baker from
six yards out.
Hereford were eliminated from the Trophy in the cruellest
fashion and the six hundred or so travelling fans were
understandably disappointed. United never really got
going and a performance like that against Yeovil next
week will result in another defeat.Written by Terry Goodwin - 23rd February 2002.

Chester City

Hereford United

Wayne Brown

Matt Baker

Lee Woodyatt

Matt Clarke

Paul Carden

John Shirley

Martyn Lancaster

Jimmy Quiggin (off,
57 minutes)

Phil Bolland

Ian Wright (captain)

Gary Brabin (captain)

Tony James

Brian McGorry

Ian Rodgerson

Chris Blackburn

John Snape

Dean Spink

Paul Parry

Mark Beesley

Gavin Williams

Stuart Whittaker (off,
78 minutes)

Scott Goodwin

Subs

Subs

Steve Rose

Rob Elmes (on, 57
minutes)

Michael O'Brien

Lee Evans

Chris O'Brien

Danny Davidson

Jimmy Haarhoff (on,
78 minutes)

Jon Hill

Danny Collins

Yellow cards

Yellow cards

Phil Bolland (44
minutes, foul)

Jimmy Quiggin (24
minutes, foul)

John Snape (59 minutes, dissent)

Red cards

Red cards

-

-

Scorers

Scorers

Phil Bolland (37
minutes)

Rob Elmes (76
minutes)

Jimmy Haarhoff (90
minutes)

Man of the
Match

Ian Rodgerson

Attendance

1,747

Referee

Mr. S. Castle (Wolverhampton)

Friday, February 22, 2002

By
Terry

Confidence high in United ranks

With good morale and an excellent run behind them,
Hereford United are confident of victory in tomorrow's FA
Trophy fifth round tie at Chester City, kick off 3pm.
The Bulls beat second placed Boston United 4-3 on Monday
night and have now lost just once in eleven game, but
know that Mark Wright's Chester side will provide stiff
opposition tomorrow.
Chester are unbeaten in their last eight matches but
Hereford have scored eighteen goals in their last seven
games and hope to extend that run on Saturday.
"The performance and the way we battled back from a
poor start has given us a big lift," said coach Phil
Robinson to the Evening News after the Boston victory.
"We are still in a good run of form though it was
disappointing to lose to Leigh RMI which was a bit of a
blemish on our record, but our tails are up.
"I thought the match against Boston would be a bit
tight with both teams having the two best defensive
records in the Nationwide Conference but it was a really
good, open game and I hope everybody enjoyed watching it."
Chester have moved out of the drop zone since Mark Wright
took over last month, and Robinson is cautious about his
opponents. "He has near enough signed a whole new
team with good experienced players at that," he said
after City signed several new players in the last month.
"Their mini-revival had started before the cup draw
and on the two occasions I have seen them they beat
Telford 3-0 and Nuneaton 3-1.
"We lost there earlier in the season and it is a
difficult place to go when their crowd get behind them.
They've got a decent stadium and a good bit of support
when they are going well but hopefully we can take a few
up there as well and it will be a good cup atmosphere."
Both Tony James and Roy Jordan should be in the squad for
the game after missing Monday's encounter through injury.Chester boss Mark Wright is optimistic about his
side's chances, as he told the Evening Leader: “I
know the FA Trophy means a lot to the supporters and to
everyone at the club, and we should do well because we’re
starting to perform. I thought Chester would go on and
win the FA Trophy last season after they’d beaten
Southport when I was manager.“I know how good Hereford are – they’re
strong and well organised, and I’ll be talking to
Mark Williams about them, but I don’t like to fill
my head with news about the opposition. If we start to
worry about Hereford it will present a negative attitude
and put us on the back foot.”“Players on the bench on Tuesday, like Stuart
Whittaker, Paul Carden, and Chris Blackburn will have a
point to prove in our FA Trophy tie. If they don’t
there is something wrong. Every one of my players is
wanting to play at the moment because we’re doing
well. The boys are confident and I hope that continues.
There is great competition for places, and I’m not
going to settle for a draw or a replay against Hereford.”Wright will be without midfielders Shaun Carey,
Michael McElhatton, and Andy Porter, and defenders Mike
Rose and Mark Williams. Carey and Williams are both cup-tied
for the clash, McElhatton was not signed by Chester on a
one-month loan from Rushden and Diamonds in time for
clearance to play, and the duo of Porter and Rose are
suspended. Admission tomorrow for adults will cost
£10 (standing), and £12 (seated); pensioners will be
admitted for £7.50 (standing), and £9 (seated); and it
will cost £5 for children to stand, and £6 for them to
sit down.If a replay is required, it will be at Edgar Street
next Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Thursday, February 21, 2002

By
Terry

Baker signs new contract

Hereford United's young goalkeeper Matt Baker has
signed a new contract with the club.
The former Hull City stopper, who has missed just one
first team game this season, has agreed to a new two and
a half year contract keeping him at Edgar Street until
May 2004. The twenty two year old has impressed many with
his performances this season, especially in the televised
FA Cup tie against Wrexham which the Bulls won 1-0.
Meanwhile, the Football Association are set to
investigate claims that Hereford United were underpaid
for their FA Cup second round tie at Swindon Town back in
December.
The Bulls lost 3-2 on the day but had to wait a month to
receive around £18,000 of gate receipts, although it
should have been paid within two weeks. The club have
protested that they have not received enough money and as
a result, the FA will investage the matter.
The dispute is a common one, according to the FA, and it
will take a few months to sort out.

Reserves lose to Boston

Hereford United reserves slumped to a 2-0 Central Conference defeat against Boston United at Edgar Street last night.The game, played at Edgar Street although it was scheduled
as an away fixture, saw two early Boston goals, one after a dreadful
mistake by goalkeeper Lee Evans. United squandered the chance to get
back into the game when Danny Davidson hit a penalty straight at the
goalkeeper after Jimmy Quiggin was fouled.First teamer Rob Elmes also played in the game.Many thanks to Matt Grisman who attended the game for HU-FC.co.uk.

No progress in stadium moves

Hereford United's liaison committee have met with
Chelverton director Simon Morgan, who reaffirmed his
company's stance on the redevelopment/relocation issue.
Herefordshire Council leader Terry James is set to meet
with the liaison committee on Monday night to discuss the
issue further.
Meanwhile, the cattle market is not expected to relocate
to Beeches Park, as originally suggested. Instead, the
market is to move to Hospital Farm, according to today's
Hereford Times.
The market is currently adjacent to the football club in
Edgar Street, and when the site becomes free, it is
expected to house new council headquarters, a multi-screen
cinema and other leisure facilities.

City favourites for Trophy tie

Chester City are favourites to win Saturday's FA
Trophy tie at the Deva Stadium when they host Hereford
United.
The Blues are quoted at 5/4 to progress to the quarter
finals, with Hereford at 7/4 and a draw at 11/5. However,
for the competition outright, Hereford are 12/1 and
Chester at 16/1. The favourites are Doncaster Rovers and
Yeovil Town at 7/1, with Stevenage Borough, Margate,
Morecambe, Scarborough and Northwich just behind in the
stakes.
For Saturday's game, Chester will be without Michael Rose
and James Dean who are suspended, and ex-Hereford
defender Mark Williams is cup-tied. Brian McGorry,
another former Hereford player, could compete against his
former side in the Chester midfield.

Tuesday, February 19, 2002

By
Terry

Robbo delighted with comeback

Hereford United player/coach Phil Robinson
congratulated his side's comeback in yesterday's 4-3
Nationwide Conference win at second placed Boston United."At 2-0 down after only 12 minutes I was a little
bit worried," he told the Evening News. "Thankfully,
the players showed a lot of character."The Bulls' next game is on Saturday when they go to
Chester City in the FA Umbro Trophy fifth round. The tie
will be a difficult one but according to City's new boss
Mark Wright, their priorities lie elsewhere. "The
game is a bonus which will bring in some much-needed
revenue, but I want to get on with our league
performances," he told the Non-League Paper of the
upcoming fixture. "The fans like cup competitions
and in a perfect world you like to win everything, but at
this moment we're concerned with the league. The further
you go in the cups the more fixture overload you face."Chester have signed Rushden & Diamonds midfielder
Michael McElhatton on-loan who will make his debut in the
match, but ex-Hereford defender Mark Williams is
ineligable. Williams signed for Chester last week but he
played eighteen minutes of the third round replay against
Chesham United, so is cup-tied.Meanwhile, The England National Game XI will play
their second full International fixture of the season
against The Netherlands at Yeovil's Huish Park on
Wednesday 24th April, kick off 7.30pm.Tickets for this fixture will cost £6 for Adults, £2
for Children, and a Family Ticket costing £10 will also
be available (2 Adults and 2 Children). Hereford's Matt
Baker, Matt Clarke and Ian Wright could make the squad
for the match.

In a seven goal thriller at
York Street, no one expected the Bulls to take home three
points but they overcame the odds after going 2-0 down
early on.

Hereford made only one change
to the side fielded in last Tuesday’s FA Trophy game
with Hampton & Richmond Borough, for this Monday
night game with Boston, live on Sky TV. With Tony James
out through injury, Jon Hill made his first team debut
for Hereford United.

Boston started the game the
brighter of the two sides, creating many chances in front
of goal, forcing Matt Baker to make some fine stops and
rush out of his area to clear the ball. Boston continued
to put the Hereford defence under pressure, this paid off
in the sixth minute when Daryl Clare shot passed Matt
Baker to give Boston an early lead.

Boston pushed forward, making
many attempts on goal, one of which was cleared off the
line by John Shirley. Ian Rodgerson went close on ten
minutes, but his shot on goal only managed to hit the
side netting. Boston continued the better side, and on
twelve minutes Daryl Clare curled in the ball from thirty
yards out to get his, and Boston’s second goal of
the game.

With sixteen minutes of the
game gone, and Hereford trailing by two goals, Paul Parry
made a good attempt on goal, only to see it scooped up by
keeper Paul Bastock. Hereford then began to create more
chances in front of goal, and on seventeen minutes, Phil
Robinson tapped a Matt Clarke cross into the back of the
net, to bring Hereford well and truly back into the game.

Hereford continued to
pressurise Boston, as they pushed forward to find an
equaliser, which came in the twenty-third minute after a
free kick was awarded to Hereford about two yards outside
of the box. Paul Bastock, Boston keeper, failed to
collected the ball from Gavin Williams’ free kick,
and Scott Goodwin was on standby to coolly slip the ball
into the back of the net and bring both teams back onto
level terms.

With
both teams now aiming to take the lead, the game hotted
up. In the thirty fifth minute Paul Parry brought the
ball down the rightwing crossing it to Robinson in the
middle, who headed the ball in for his second goal of the
game, and Hereford to take the lead. In the fourty fifth
minute, referee Steve Brand showed Jon Hill a yellow card
for a foul on McGarry, but Matt Baker had no problem
collecting the free kick.

Boston
came out for the second half keen to get a quick
equaliser, and they created many chances, but this didn’t
stop Hereford, with Scott Goodwin and Paul Parry both
going close. With fifteen minutes of the second half
gone, Hereford made their first and only substitution of
the game, with Robin Elmes replacing Phil Robinson.
This change saw Boston regain control of the play,
and two minutes later, Mark Angel put a cross in from the
left, which was headed in by Neil Tarrant.

The
scoreline was now level for a second time, and both sides
were looking for a goal. Boston forced Matt Baker to make
a series of outstanding saves, but on seventy four
minutes, Robin Elmes headed in a superb Ian Rodgerson
cross from near the corner flag, giving Hereford the lead.

The
attacks continued from both sides, but to no avail, and
on eighty four minutes Robin Elmes was cautioned for a
push on a Boston player, but the score line remained the
same, and Hereford returned home happy with all three
points, pushing them up to ninth place in the table.

Written by Helen Weaver - 18th February 2002.

Boston United

Hereford United

Paul Bastock

Matt Baker

Jim Rodwell

Matt Clarke

Mark Monington (off,
85 minutes)

John Shirley

Mark Clifford

Phil Robinson (off,
57 minutes)

James Gould

Ian Wright (captain)

Darren Beesley

Jon Hill

Mark Angel

Ian Rodgerson

Neil Tarrant

John Snape

Daryl Clare

Paul Parry

Simon Weatherstone

Gavin Williams

Steve McGarry (off,
78 minutes)

Scott Goodwin

Subs

Subs

Simon Rusk (on, 85
minutes)

Rob Elmes (on, 57
minutes)

Anthony Elding (on,
78 minutes)

Lee Evans

Kevin Evans

Jimmy Quiggin

Lodge

Danny Davidson

Conroy

Yellow cards

Yellow cards

Gould (69 minutes,
foul)

Jon Hill (45
minutes, foul)

Jim Rodwell (74 minutes, foul)

Gavin Williams (50 minutes, handball)

Rob Elmes (84 minutes, unsporting behaviour)

Red cards

Red cards

-

-

Scorers

Scorers

Daryl Clare (6
minutes, 12 minutes)

Phil Robinson (17
minutes, 35 minutes)

Neil Tarrant (58
minutes)

Scott Goodwin (23
minutes)

Rob Elmes (75 minutes)

Man of the
Match

Scott Goodwin

Attendance

3,013

Referee

Mr. S. R. Brand (The
Wirral)

Sunday, February 17, 2002

By
Tim

Boston Preview

Hereford go into Monday nights live Sky match with no new injury worries, but this is being written on a Sunday so keep an eye open on http://www.thisishufc.co.uk in case this situation changes. The Bulls will be keen to impress on the TV, and to make amends for the last minute defeat earlier in the season at Edgar Street
As for Boston, they have new signings Kevin Evans, from Cardiff, and Jim Rodwell, from Rushden, waiting to make their debut for Boston. Also, Boston have not played a match since the 26th of January when they lost 2-1 away at Stalybridge and have been replaced at the top of the Conference by Dagenham, who drew 3-3 yesterday with Yeovil to over take Boston at the pole. Other results have seen Woking beaten 4-0 at York Street, draw away at Nuneaton, a trashing of FGR 6-1 at home, plus a win and loss against Northwich. Again this is being written on Sunday so keep an eye on the Boston United official site at http://www.bostonunited.co.ukMatch coverage by Sky starts at 7:30pm on Sky Sports One, with a 8:05pm kick off.

Cooksey looking to the Future

Former Bulls Favourite Scott Cooksey is
looking to the future after he was forced to retire from
football following a freak hand injury and it now looks
unlikely that he will collect any insurance.

The 29 year old Hereford keeper has
called it a day after being told he could become
physically deformed if he carried on playing. "I
spent two weeks in hospital vertually fighting for my
life, the this happens." he said. "Something
somewhere has gone badly wrong. It is frightening to go
into hospital with a slight problem in my hand, then come
out with a hand that I can bearly move and with arthritis."

"I has three operations in six days
and now I need another one that would keep me out of the
game for nine months anyway. The long term prognosis is
severe arthritis and I am left with the rest of my life
in jeopardy."

Cooksey has a sports studies degree but
would like to move into football managment.

Hereford have promised to discuss the
possibility of a benefit match. "It is very sad,"
said secretary Joan Fennessy, who confirmed Cooksey's
injury was not covered by club insurance. " I will
discuss the possibility of a benefit game with owner
Graham Turner."

The club have settled Cooksey's contract.
It is believed that a benefit match could take place at
the end of the season possibly against Shrewsbury Town,
for whom Cooksey used to play.

Baker not to blame

Hereford United's player/coach Phil
Robinson said his young goalkeeper is not to blame for
his challenge that led to Richmond Borough's Darren
Deegan breaking his leg.
Robinson commented: "We were all a bit shaken by it
including Matt himself but it was an accidental
collision, with no blame attached and indeed no free kick
was given."

He added: "We all feel for the
player and Matt is a bit down about it but it is an
occupational hazard of the game."

Feb 15th:

Boston on wrong side of the law

Nationwide Conference leaders Boston
United, who face Hereford on Monday night, have
encountered further difficulties with a threat of legal
action from Lincolnshire Police.

The local constabulary have claimed that
Boston have failed to honour an agreement over repaying
the cost of match-day police.

Boston also face a winding-up order on
Monday brought by a local garage over an unpaid bill of
£6,000.

The only good news is that Des Wood, a
north Nottinghamshire-based businessman involved in
property, is believed to be on the point of buying the
club from the Malkinson family.

This will certainly add further interest
to the Sky game on Monday night. Boston will gain £5,000
and The Bulls will receive £3,000 from the game.

Squad looking forward to third TV
Appearence

Being on TV for the third time this
season had led to a huge lift in the United squad,
according to Bulls boss Phil Robinson.

The game against Boston United is due to
be shown on Sky Sports One on Monday night and kick off
time is 8pm.

Robinson said "Everyone is very much
looking forward to it particularly at this level when
appearing on television is a rarity for the players,"

Hereford are expected to be at full
strength for the game.

Thursday, February 14, 2002

By
Roger

Bull and Breakfast

Former Hereford United player coach Steve
Bull has been promoting breakfasts.

The former Wolves star said: "You
can't properly start the day without a good breakfast."
He was tucking into a sumptuous spread put on cook
Frances Kennedy of the Staffordshire Womens Food and
Farming Union.

But he admitted in his playing days for
Wolves, he would have given the sausages a miss, and gone
for the lower fat, high carbohydrate, breakfast cereals.

He and England's Womens cricket captain
Rachel Heyhoe Flint had both joined around fifty
breakfast guests at a farm house near Stafford to
celebrate Farmhouse Breakfast Week.

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

By
Terry

James reacts to club statement

Herefordshire Council leader Terry James
has responded to the Hereford United statement issued on
Tuesday regarding the club's survival.
The statement read: "It is with increasing concern
that we view the public debate, claims and counterclaims,
about the future of this club. As the representatives of
the club shareholders, most of whom are supporters, we
feel that we should be prominent in future discussions
and decisions.
"We are therefore urging the personnel involved to
think about the implications for the future well-being of
the club, put personal feelings to one side and sit round
a table with us, the purpose being to overcome the
impasse between the different parties to ensure that 2003
is reached without the club facing the prospect of going
out of business."
Hereford have to pay around £1.3million to Chelverton
Properties on May 19th, 2003 and it was their response to
recent statements from Councillor James.
In this week's Hereford Times, Terry James is quoted as
saying: "I don't disagree with what the club says
but we are not in a position yet to discuss matters
publicly because the people interested in supporting the
club have not yet met as a group. But things will start
to happen once the draft version of the Unitary
Development Plan is published in March.
"I have every confidence that we can redevelop Edgar
Street, including Hereford United's ground, in
partnership with others. I have got at least one more
main meeting with an individual very soon."
Hereford chairman Graham Turner said: "As a club we
have no real power because the leases have gone to the
developers and we haven't got any money. The stark facts
are that the loan, plus interest, is about £1.25million
and the deadline is May 2003."
The directors would welcome a discussion with any
proposed consortium that has the club's best interests in
mind, according to the Hereford Times.

Six grand raised from dinner

Hereford United raised over £6,000
through last week's FA Cup fundraising dinner.
Over £2,700 came from the post-meal auction and the
event was a great success. It was attended by Ricky
George and John Motson, and 300 guests. The current board
have raised £30,000 for the club since the start of 2001.
Meanwhile, Mark Williams, who was released by Hereford
recently, could face the Bulls in an upcoming fixture.
Williams has joined Chester City, who Hereford are to
face a week on Saturday in the FA Trophy fifth round. The
Chester City league game at Edgar Street , moved from 23rd
February, is now on 26th March.

Cooksey to move into teaching

Scott Cooksey has responded to his forced
retirement from football.
The Hereford United goalkeeper quit the game last week
after he was told another wrist operation was neccessary
to continue his playing career.
The twenty nine year old told the Hereford Times: "I
was told that I needed another operation which would have
kept me out for a further nine to 12 months and there was
still no guarantees that I would be able to play. This
was one of the hardest and most upsetting decisions that
I have ever had to make."
Hereford chairman Graham Turner said: "It's a shame
for Scott because football was his big love. But the
problem is that Scott's wrist appears to have
deteriorated and there is a long-term possibility that he
may need to have a metal plate inserted. We have settled
the remainder of Scott's contract, which would have run
until May, and he will be trying to pursue a career in
teaching."

By
Terry

Two late goals
seal Bulls' win

Hereford
United 4 - 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough

Hereford United progressed to the fifth round of the
FA Umbro Trophy after overcoming Hampton & Richmond
Borough at Edgar Street, eventually convincingly.The 4-1 victory sets up a big tie in the fifth round -
away at Chester City - but tonight's result do not
display the resiliant nature of the Hampton performance
for eighty minutes.Phil Robinson named an unchanged Bulls side for the
encounter, with Gavin Williams and Paul Parry in attack.
Hampton played Craig Maskell at number 10; it was his
shot that rebounded to Robbie Reinelt five years ago that
sent Hereford out of the Football League instead of
Brighton & Hove Albion.The twice-delayed tie saw Hereford dominate early
proceedings; Gavin Williams' first minute shocked was
blocked and from the resulting corner, captain Ian Wright
headed inches over Stuat MacKenzie's crossbar. Despite
the Bulls dominating the attacking play and possession,
Hampton's Darren Deegan clashed with Matt Baker whilst on
a rare attack after twelve minutes. Baker cleared the
danger but Deegan had gone down in the challenge and
after a spell of treatment, he was stretchered off. It
was announced after the match that Deegan had broken his
leg, and he was replaced on the field by Marvyn Watson.Midway through the half, United's Gavin Williams fired
over from twenty five yards as Hampton were restricted to
counter attacks. Five minutes later, Hereford took a
deserved lead. Scott Goodwin crossed from the left and
Matt Clarke, who was well positioned on the far post,
headed home from close range.Ian Wright and Scott Goodwin went close with efforts
as Hereford looked to increase their advantage, but it
was Hampton who were next to get the ball in the net.
After thirty eight minutes, goalkeeper Baker came out to
clear a loose ball but John Snape, who had come back to
challenge the attacking Raphael Nade, appeared to slip
the ball past Baker and into his own net. The goal was
credited to Snape, but Nade appeared to get the final
touch.In the remainder of the half, Hereford had all the
possession. Gavin Williams tried another long range
effort as seen against Wrexham and Swindon, but the
goalkeeper was able to save low on his line. The 1-1 half-time
scoreline did seem a little unbalanced, but the twenty
eight travelling fans from Hampton were delighted to be
holding a Conference side. The first half statistics
reveal one shot on goal for Hampton compared with five
for Hereford.Four minutes into the second half, Hereford took the
lead. Gavin Williams was brought down in the box by Steve
Omonua, and Tony James stepped up to slip the spot kick
down the middle as Hereford scored just their second
penalty of the season. Hampton can have no complaints as
two minutes before the break, Matt Clarke's appeal for a
penalty were turned down.Paul Parry was foiled on two occasions as Hereford
searched for a killer third goal, but Hampton's Nade
fired over from the left at the other end as the Ryman
League's were restricted to counter attacks. Both sides
made changes, with Rob Elmes coming on for Scott Goodwin
for the Bulls, and with seven minutes left, Hereford
found another goal. An Ian Rodgerson cross was headed
home by Gavin Williams, effectively sealing a Hereford
victory.A superb double save from Stuart MacKenzie meant Paul
Parry was prevented from getting on the scoresheet again,
but in added time it was Parry's free kick from the left
than set up the fourth. Captain Ian Wright got onto the
end of the ball to fire home as Hereford progressed to
the fifth round.The crowd of 1,167 will be pleased with the Hereford
performance, but would be excused from thinking that the
Bulls should have scored more. Man of the match Tony
James was outstanding at the back, and scored a penalty,
but nobody had a bad game for Hereford. The Bulls will
play Chester in the next round, after they overcame
Solihull Borough 4-2 in the replay tonight.

Written by Terry Goodwin - 12th February
2002.

Hereford United

Hampton & Richmond
Borough

Matt Baker

Stuart MacKenzie

Matt Clarke

Richard O'Connor (off,
79 minutes)

John Shirley

Ronnie Girvan

Phil Robinson

Phil Dicker

Ian Wright (captain)

Matt Flitter

Tony James

Fiston Manuella

Ian Rodgerson

Darren Deegan (off,
16 minutes)

John Snape

Gavin Rose

Paul Parry

Steve Omonua (off,
79 minutes)

Gavin Williams

Craig Maskell

Scott Goodwin (off,
77 minutes)

Raphael Nade

Subs

Subs

Rob Elmes (on, 77
minutes)

Tony Houghton (on,
79 minutes)

Lee Evans

Steve French

Jimmy Quiggin

Paul De Luca (on, 79
minutes)

Jon Hill

Marvyn Watson (on,
16 minutes)

Roy Jordan

Dominique Jean-Zepherin

Yellow cards

Yellow cards

-

Steve Omonua (28
minutes, foul)

Phil Dicker (90 minutes, dissent)

Red cards

Red cards

-

-

Scorers

Scorers

Matt Clarke (27
minutes)

John Snape (own
goal, 38 minutes)

Tony James (52
minutes, penalty)

Gavin Williams (83 minutes)

Ian Wright (90 minutes)

Man of the
Match

Tony James

Attendance

1,167

Referee

Mr. R. Desmond

Tuesday, February 12, 2002

By
Terry

Two late goals secure Bulls win

Hereford United 4 - 1 Hampton & Richmond BoroughHereford will play Chester City in the fifth round of the FA Trophy after they beat Hampton 4-1 at Edgar Street tonight. Matt Clarke, Tony James, Gavin Williams and Ian Wright scored the goals for the Bulls.

Club call for unity

The Hereford United board of directors
have released the following statement through ClubCall (09068
121645):

“It is with increasing concern that
we view the public debate, claims and counter-claims,
about the future of the Club. As the representatives of
the Club’s shareholders, most of whom are
supporters, we feel that we should be prominent in future
discussions and decisions. We are therefore urging the
personnel involved to think about the implications for
the future well-being of the Club, put any personal
feelings to one side, and sit around a table with us. The
purpose being to overcome the impasse between the
different parties, ensuring 2003 is reached without the
Club facing the prospect of going out of business.
Discussions with any proposed consortium who have the
interests of the Club at heart would also be welcomed.”

By
Terry

Hereford hope for two winsNot only do Hereford United hope to win against Hampton & Richmond Borough in tonight's FA Trophy fourth round clash, but need to beat the weather in order for the game to go ahead.

Tonight's game is ON at the moment, kick off at Edgar Street is at 7.45pm. The Bulls have to revive themselves after a 1-0 league defeat against Leigh RMI at the weekend, and coach Phil Robinson wants a good performance. "We can play at a higher tempo and we will need to because Hampton are treating it as their cup final," he told the Evening News. "They rested some players on Saturday for tonight's game and are really approaching it as a one-off. I think Hereford fans enjoy their cup football and it would be nice to have them out in force cheering us on."

Hereford have no injury doubts after Saturday, in which he was very disappointed with the result. "We missed having a game in the middle of a two-week break and didn't perform," he said. "The unbeaten run had to come to an end sometime but it was a shame it happened the way it did. We restricted them to two efforts one of which went in but we had a number of chances but it didn't go for us."

Hampton drew 1-1 with second-placed Canvey Island on Saturday, but are still languishing in seventeenth in the Ryman League Premier Division.

If the game is called off, further details will be added here.

Monday, February 11, 2002

By
Terry

By
Terry

James still leads awardTony James is still top of the Ray Mercer Evening News Trophy as the best-rated player in the two counties this season.

Hereford's highly rated defender averaged 7.43 from thirty-two games and he is ahead of rivals from Stourport Swifts and other Herefordians. Matt Baker and Gavin Williams are both averaging 7.0.

Kidderminster Harrier's Dean Bennett is leading their team's performances with 6.85, Worcester's Paul Carty has 7.11, Stourport's Asa Charlton is on 7.32 and Evesham's Jay Powell has 6.65.

Meanwhile, Hereford coach Phil Robinson was disappointed with Saturday 1-0 defeat against Leigh RMI. After the match, he told the Evening News: "We didn't really perform today and, fortunately, I don't think that we can play that badly again. Our passing and shooting wasn't up to standard and I have had a word with the players.

"At least we have got a game under our belts now and hopefully that should put us in good stead for the FA Trophy fourth round match tomorrow night. But we have got a few things to work on."

Sunday, February 10, 2002

LEIGH RMI boss Steve Waywell told Football.Nationwide.co.uk that
ex-Hereford defender Gerry Harrison was the key in his side's 1-0 win
over the Bulls at Edgar Street yesterday.
"Gerry Harrison missed last week's game at Margate and
we missed him - and against Hereford he was outstanding," said Waywell.
"He's a cocky, confident sort of lad and the other players respond to
that. He was definitely our man-of-the-match."
Waywell praised Hereford's excellent pitch and their
supporters. "The pitch was brilliant and not bobbly, which is surprising
with all the rain we've had. It was a good surface and a good
atmosphere which always gives you a lift.
"But our lads deserve a lot of credit for beating a
side who have been on a good run of form lately. We have an excellent
away record and a lot of that is down to the fact that at Hilton Park we
haven't the best of surfaces, a small crowd and not much atmosphere.
Players respond to a crowd and that's what they did at Hereford."
In other news The Liaison committee have written to Chelverton to ask for the removal of Simon Morgan from relocation negotiations.
In his column in yesterday's Bullseye magazine,
chairman Kevin Wargen wrote that HUISA had a meeting with council leader
Terry James but the details had to be kept confidential for the time
being. He also said that he had spoken to a person who may be looking to
help the club in the future, who was concerned about misinformation
being posted on the internet. He pleaded with supporters to be careful
when publishing information and although the current situation was
frustrating, "things are beginning to happen".
Meanwhile, HUISA have revealed that away travel will
be going to two upcoming matches. A minibus will travel to the Boston
United away game next Monday night (18th February), to be televised live
on Sky Sports 1. The minibus will leave Edgar Street at 2pm and cost
£21. If the Bulls get through in the FA Trophy fourth round, they will
play at either Chester City or Solihull Borough. Any coach will cost £11
and leave at 11.30am. Should the Bulls draw on Tuesday night, please
call the club on 01432 276666 regarding transport to the replay.

Saturday, February 09, 2002

HEREFORD United's veteran midfielder Ian Rodgerson used his sore
throat as an excuse for his side's 1-0 defeat to Leigh RMI today.
"I woke up this morning and my throat was on fire so I
got some antibiotics from the doctor," he told BBC Hereford &
Worcester. " I felt a bit lothargic but I wasn't playing to well so I'll
use that as my excuse!"
The game saw plenty of Hereford chances but Leigh
nicked the vital goal and Rodgerson commented: "We didn't play well
today; we certainly didn't pass it well. The last few weeks have been a
bit scrappy with the weather, trying to get venues to train, and it
showed today. Leigh are a decent side and they're putting a little run
together. We had one or two decent chances early on and if we had
scored, I think we'd have gone on and won the game."
Michael Twiss, the former Manchester United trainee,
got Leigh's winner with fifteen minutes left and Rodgerson continued:
"It was a bit sloppy. He had a little bit of luck but these things
happen. On the day, we were disappointed."
Hereford's next match is on Tuesday night, when they
take on Hampton & Richmond Borough at Edgar Street in the FA
Trophy. "It is extremely important," said Rodgerson. "Hopefully it will
be a money-spinner for the club. We've gone eight games unbeaten until
today so we've got to get back on track on Tuesday and make sure we
win."
After that, Hereford's next league game is at Boston
United on Monday night. The Pilgrims are top of the table and Rodgerson
said: " I'm sure we can raise our game."
IN his Bullseye column HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen has written about the latest development with Chelverton.
"Since our last home game the Liasion committee have
written to Chelverton to ask Simon Morgan to be removed from
negotiations as far as relocation is concerned. This was quickly
followed by a very strong rebuke to Morgan from Cllr Terry James."

Hereford United's unbeaten run is over and they lost it deservedly at
Edgar Street this afternoon with Lancastrians Leigh RMI securing a 1-0
win.
It was not that Leigh deserved their victory, but that
Hereford threw away the game as they squandered chances and lacked the
cutting edge. One lapse in concentration cost them dearly.
The Bulls won 1-0 at Hilton Park back in October and
the reverse in the scoreline came as a result of a strong Leigh
defensive performance and lacklustre efforts on goal from the Bulls.
Coach Phil Robinson welcomed Gavin Williams back to the starting line-up
and he was partnered by Paul Parry in attack. Rob Elmes was named on
the bench and only entered the action after the hour mark. Leigh named
former Hereford defender Gerry Harrison in defence after he was recently
signed by boss Steve Waywell from Halifax Town.
The first half was dominated by Hereford, but Leigh's
Tony Black forced Matt Baker to make the first save of the game in the
third minute. The Bulls responded with Phil Robinson testing Mark
Westhead, and then the player/coach headed against the crossbar as
Hereford threatened.
Ian Rodgerson went close again on the eleventh minute
before Dino Maamria tested Baker, and then Paul Parry ran onto a Gavin
Williams through ball on fifteen minutes before firing a deflected shot
wide. Hereford's defensive partnership of Tony James and Ian Wright
coped well with Leigh's attacking force and Ian Rodgerson headed at Mark
Westhead with seven minutes left of the half. Gavin Williams and then
Michael Twiss went close as the two sides aimed to find the lead, and
Paul Parry missed the target in the last minute of the half.
The second half was slightly more even, but Hereford
again failed to hit the target after creating plenty of chances. Ian
Wright, from the kick off, headed at Westhead wasting another chance
before Leigh's Black fired at Baker. Paul Parry then hit a screaming
effort over from twenty five yards as they dominated possession but were
unable to break down a solid RMI defence.
Rob Elmes was introduced to the action but made little
impact in a team lacking creating and dropping in confidence after
facing a brick wall. Their morale was hit further with fifteen minutes
left when Leigh took the lead against the run of play. Ian Monk crossed
in from the right wing for Michael Twiss to pick up. The ball bounced
off the post and Twiss was on hand to hit home from a yard out with the
defence stranded. Leigh's solid defence and opportunist attacking
tactics had worked and they had the lead, whilst the Bulls missed
several chances to go ahead themselves.
With four minutes left, Ian Wright headed a forceful
effort goalwards, only for Mark Westhead to tip over the bar to ensure
three points for Leigh. Hereford didn't deserve anything from the game
and there was little to get the crowd of 1,443 to return on Tuesday
night.
The Bulls have to pick themselves up quickly for next
week's FA Trophy tie against Hampton & Richmond Borough, who
will be a difficult side to guage. Only thirty one supporters will be
happy with today's result - and they were from Leigh RMI.
Hereford United: Matt Baker, Matt Clarke, John
Shirley, Phil Robinson, Ian Wright (captain), Tony James, Ian Rodgerson
(off, 62 minutes), John Snape (off, 81 minutes), Paul Parry, Gavin
Williams, Scott Goodwin
Subs: Rob Elmes (on, 62 minutes), Lee Evans, Jimmy Quiggin (on, 81 minutes), Danny Davidson, Jon Hill
Yellow cards:Scott Goodwin (foul, 44 minutes) Rob Elmes (dissent, 85 minutes)
Man of the Match: Not awarded
Attendance: 1,443
Referee: Mr. S. Hapgood (Swindon)

JOHN Snape is hoping to extend Hereford United's unbeaten run to eight games today as the Bulls host Leigh RMI, kick off 3pm.
The livewire midfielder is in his fourth season at
Edgar Street and is known as one of Hereford's most committed players
who is never afraid to go in for a challenge.
"Snape has been one of the unsung heroes in the years
gone by but this year he has also proved a goal threat with something
like five to his name," said coach Phil Robinson in tonight's Evening
News. "He is very hard working and a real battler and as I said is now
contributing with some goals. His strengths are that he is very strong
and powerful and you need these kind of players in your team.
"Basically you know what you are going to get from him
- he is a very consistent and committed player. Every team needs to
have somebody who every week will work hard and win the ball back and he
is certainly one of them.
"Central midfield is the hardest position on the
field. They have to get forward in goalscoring positions and support the
forwards, then get back and work hard defensively. You normally find at
every club that in the fitness tests central midfielders come out on
top because they have to do so much running."

Friday, February 08, 2002

By
Terry

RMI to provide tough test

Hereford United host Leigh RMI at Edgar Street in the Nationwide Conference tomorrow, kick off 3pm.
Leigh's away record is better than their home after to recent wins at Northwich and Telford but Hereford player/coach Phil Robinson is eager to end that run. "Their current form is decent and they have picked up quite a few places in recent games," he told the Evening News.
"Even though they are below us we are not going to be taking them lightly and know we have to carry on our recent form if we want to continue our eight-match unbeaten run. Everybody is fit apart from those three (Cooksey, Voice and Piearce) and everyone is raring to go having had the last few matches called off."
"Attendances have slipped gradually away during the season and what I am trying to say to people who have not come for a while is come and have a loot what we are about. We're playing some excellent football, scoring a lot of goals and the more people we have cheering us on the better."
Leigh boss Steve Waywell expects to have a virtually fully-fit squad for the trip to Hereford. Midfielder Gerry Harrison is set to return to the side after missing the 2-0 FA Umbro Trophy defeat at Margate last week. Harrison played for United in the 1996/97 season,
RMI could welcome Mark Westhead - who was expected to sign for League of Wales side Barry Town this week - into their squad for the game. The goalkeeper could start in a struggling side.
Waywell said: "Of course, every game is a cup final for us in our situation but team spirit has probably never been better than it is now and I am just looking forward to Saturday's game. The lads will be really up it and to get back into a groove and Hereford are only a few places above us so it should be a really tight game."

HEREFORD United goalkeeper Scott Cooksey has been forced to retire from football after another injury setback.
The twenty nine year old stopper hasn't played this
season with a wrist injury which almost killed him, and he found out
earlier this week that he requires another operation. Chairman Graham
Turner commented on ClubCall that it was a sad day for the club.
Also departing Edgar Street is Mark Williams. The defender was released after a breach of discipline.
However, there is some good news coming from the club.
Attacking midfielder Paul Parry has signed a new two year contract with
Hereford, securing his future at Edgar Street until June 2004. Also
considering new contracts are Matt Baker, Tony James and Gavin Williams.
However, if offers come in from higher-graded sides, then they have a
release clause allowing them to move on, if they wish so.

Thursday, February 07, 2002

HEREFORD United coach Phil Robinson has asked for supporters to back two wins in four days.
The Bulls take on Leigh RMI at Edgar Street on
Saturday in the Nationwide Conference before playing their delayed FA
Trophy clash at home against Hampton & Richmond Borough on
Tuesday.
Crowds at Edgar Street are still too low with the club
unable to cover costs, and Robinson told the Hereford Times: "We have
been playing some good football lately, and it would be fantastic if the
supporters who hadn't been to Edgar Street for a while came along and
gave us another go.
"We received tremendous support from the terraces when
we played Wrexham in the FA Cup earlier in the season and that level of
support gives the players a huge lift."
Hereford should have a fully fit squad for Saturday's
encounter with only Steve Piearce a doubt with an ankle injury. Long
term victims Scott Cooksey and Scott Voice remain sidelined, but the
Bulls are confident of securing the double over Leigh who they beat 1-0
at Hilton Park in October.
Captain Ian Wright said: "The confidence is high at
the moment and we have been scoring a few goals at home lately, so we
will be desperate to continue our unbeaten run. We played well at Leigh
and I recall that John Snape scored a great winner that night."
Leigh are sixteenth in the Conference but have won
five of their thirteen away games. In their last match, they were
defeated 2-0 at Margate in the FA Trophy but haven't lost a league game
since their start of January when they were hammered 5-0 by Southport.
On Tuesday, Hereford host Ryman League Premier
Division strugglers Hampton & Richmond Borough in the FA Trophy
fourth round. The winners will play Chester City or Solihull Borough in
the next round, who replay in the Black Country on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile the official website (www.herefordunited.co.uk) have reported that
Hereford United's Edgar Street stadium was broken into last night
(Tuesday).
Whilst the intruders did little damage, two doors were damaged and stewards' coats were scattered onto the pitch.

Wednesday, February 06, 2002

Scott Cooksey could retire from football after being told that he needs more surgery on his injured wrist.
The Hereford United goalkeeper hasn't played since last May after blood poisoning destroyed the ligaments in his wrist and severely weakened it. He featured for the reserves in January, but coach Phil Robinson told the Evening News: "Doctors are considering a further operation to try and improve things. Scott is currently considering his options and his future because he has a lot to think about."
Cooksey said the damage done by the infection, which left him in hospital for three weeks and almost killed him, made it unlikely the wrist would ever recover its full strength and mobility.

Tuesday, February 05, 2002

IT was thirty years ago to the day that Hereford United recorded their finest hour.
The Bulls, then in the Southern League, defeated
Newcastle United 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup after a replay at
St. James Park four days earlier. The game finished 2-2, after being
postponed several times.
The story that shocked the football world on February
5th, 1972 came from Edgar Street, Hereford, in the FA Cup third round
replay...
Southern League side Hereford United, one of the biggest teams in
non-league football, had progressed to the third round of the FA Cup
and had held first division Newcastle United several days earlier at St.
James' Park to a 2-2 draw. Hereford were pleased to bring the former
league champions back to Edgar Street for another crack, but surely had
no chance of winning.
Malcolm McDonald, the England international striker
and one of Newcastle's best ever players, promised to score ten goals
past Hereford but the Bulls, managed by Colin Addison, had other ideas.
Perhaps McDonald was a little optimistic, but with
eight minutes left he neeted the first and it looked as if Hereford were
going out after a good fight at Edgar Street. Cue a substitution!
Roger Griffiths was replaced by the attacking-minded
Ricky George minutes before Ronnie Radford, a midfielder not renowned
for scoring goals, unleashed a thirty yard screamer out of the mud to
equalise in the most spectacular fashion.
The goal eventually was voted 'goal of the season' by viewers of BBC's Match Of The Day, and Hereford went into extra time.
Surely, the part-timers of Hereford United would tire? True, they were but substitute Ricky George had fresh legs.
It was George who scored to put Hereford into the lead
in extra time from close range, and Newcastle searched for a desperate
equaliser. It was not to be found, as Fred Potter in the home goal saved
everything Newcastle could throw at them. Hereford had secured the
biggest FA Cup upset ever, 2-1 over Newcastle United.
The season was one of sweet success for Hereford
reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup (eventually losing in a replay
to West Ham United), the semi final of the FA Trophy (losing to
Hillingdon Borough), and finishing second in the Southern League. The
Football League member clubs voted the Bulls into Division Four after a
second vote at the expense of Cumbrian side Barrow.

Everyone celebrates after the Ronnie Radford goal (top).
Ricky George's winner goes in (middle).
The Hereford players celebrate in style after the game (bottom).
Thanks to Nigel Hill for the images.
John Motson, the BBC commentator on the day, spoke of
the remarkable atmosphere: "In terms of atmosphere at English league
grounds I've lost count really, but people say to me that the game that
really got me off to a flying start at the BBC was Hereford v Newcastle
in that famous Cup tie. Now that was a day that you'll never forget, and
the atmosphere was... well, you'll never find anything to compare with
it."
A LUNCHTIME pitch inspection has resulted in Hereford
United's FA Trophy fourth round encounter against Hampton &
Richmond Borough being postponed.
The pitch was playable yesterday, but heavy rain has
resulted in the cancellation of the fixture for the second time in four
days.
The winners of the tie, whenever it is played, with
compete with either Nationwide Conference side Chester City, or Solihull
Borough from the Dr Martens Western Division in the next round; the two
teams replay at Solihull next Tuesday. The game was postponed due to a
waterlogged pitch today.
"It would have been nice to have been handed a home
tie, but with Chester City in the lower reaches of the Conference and
Solihull Borough from a lower league it is still a good draw for us,"
said Robinson.

Monday, February 04, 2002

If Hereford United overcome Hampton Borough in the FA Trophy fourth round, they will face an away tie to the winners of the Chester City vs Solihull Borough match.
If Hereford and Conference rivals Chester progress, they will play at the Deva Stadium in the Trophy but if both are eliminated, the two will compete in a league match at Edgar Street. Solihull play in the Dr. Martens League Western Division, and are currently fourth. Chester and Solihull drew 0-0 on Saturday, and replay at Damson Park tomorrow night.
The game will be played on Saturday 23rd February, along with the other fifth round ties. The draw in full is:
1 Barnet or Scarborough vs Morecambe
2 Gravesend & Northfleet or Hendon vs Mangotsfield United or Stalybridge Celtic
3 Margate vs North Ferriby United or Braintree Town
4 Stevenage Borough vs Forest Green Rovers
5 Yeovil Town or Doncaster Rovers vs Canvey Island
6 Farnborough Town or Burton Albion vs Woking
7 Chester City or Solihull Borough vs Hereford United or Hampton & Richmond Borough
8 Northwich Victoria vs Telford UnitedMeanwhile, ex-Hereford and Swindon defender Gareth Davies looks set to join Chippenham Town of the Dr. Martens Western Division.
He quit professional football with a knee injury last month, but the 28-year-old is likely to run the academy and trained with the first team on Thursday night.

Sunday, February 03, 2002

THE majority of non-league clubs have voted for their choice for the restructuring of the game - and have selected 'Proposal C'.
Teams such as Burton Albion, Chelmsford City and
Altrincham have all backed the proposal for a north and south league
below the Conference, and then four feeder league below the
semi-national divisions. The Southern Football League, Hellenic League
and Conference are likely to back the proposal, but the Northern League
would rather see a split Conference league (north and south), as
outlined in proposal B. The Isthmian League secretary Alan Turvey, who
are most likely to lose out under new reforms, see the proposals as
"change for change sake", as reported in today's Non-League Paper.
For a full outline on the five options, see a full
report written by Yeovil Town's Ciderspace website -
http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/features/0102-fa-proposal.htm
KINGTON Town chairman Bill Mayglothing has expressed
his disapproval at Hereford United over the signing of two of their
players.
The Express & Star West Midlands League
Premier Division side have allowed Roy Jordan and Jon Hill to join
Hereford on non-contract forms, but Mayglothing was annoyed at the
manner of the moves.
Whilst he said he had no problems allowing the
youngsters to move to Edgar Street, he told the Non-League Paper that
nobody from Hereford contacted his club before signing the players.
"This is not the way to go about things," he said.

Saturday, February 02, 2002

TODAY's game between Hereford United and Hampton & Richmond Borough has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

The FA Trophy fourth round game was not subject to a
pitch inspection last night but after much heavy rain, and more on the
way, the match had to be postponed. At 8.45am, the pitch was just about
playable but the referee felt the rain and winds would have made it
unplayable within hours.

The Hampton team coach was due to leave at 9am, so an early decision was welcomed to prevent them travelling.

The teams will try again on Tuesday night, kick off 7.45pm.

Friday, February 01, 2002

HEREFORD United will have to play well tomorrow to gain a place in
the last sixteen of the FA Trophy, according to coach Phil Robinson.
The Bulls host Ryman Leaguers Hampton &
Richmond Borough at Edgar Street in the fourth round, kick off 3pm, and
after the Chesham tie in the last round, Robinson has every reason to be
cautious.
He told the Evening News: "We know the quality of the
Ryman League from our game with Chesham, who were a quality side. There
is not going to be any complacency about the way we have been
approaching this game, and have been working hard preparing for it. It
will be a real tough test and we will have to be at our best to win the
game."
Hampton are struggling in the Ryman League but won 2-0
against Newport County in round three. However, Robinson continued:
"They are very strong physically through the middle of the team, have a
bit of pace on the wings and have Craig Maskell up front. Everything
seems to come through him - he has a lot of skill and a lot of
experience, and has scored a lot of goals for them."
Hereford, though, have won their last eight games but
Robinson said: "We are confident at the moment and our home form has
been very good, but we can't be over-confident. We have to approach it
like we have done our previous games."
The Trophy is a vital competition in Hereford's
finances, after they reached the semi finals last year. "It is extra
games and extra crowds coming in, and a chance of earning some prize
money, which is vitally important to us at the moment," said Robinson.
Only one change is expected to the side that drew 1-1
at Southport last week with Gavin Williams returning after a one-match
ban.
Meanwhile, all tickets have been sold for Hereford’s
forthcoming evening with BBC commentator John Motson. `Motty’ will be
joined by Hereford legend Ricky George at the eagerly awaited gala
dinner event, which will be held at the Three Counties Hotel in Belmont
on February 7th.
HEREFORD United have said that tomorrow's FA Trophy
fourth round game will go ahead as planned and no pitch inspection is
expected, despite heavy rain in the city.
A club spokesman told HU-FC.co.uk: "It's been raining but the water is running off it. It's been wetter."
The game will be called into further doubt if the
heavy rain continues. We will keep you informed on any developments
between now and kick off, which is at 3pm tomorrow.

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